Murang'a seeks Sh162m to deal with damages caused by rains

As the rains continue to subside in Murang’a, the county government has revealed that over 344 residents have been displaced from their homes.

According to a report released by the county disaster management committee, most of the affected families are from Ithanga in Gatanga constituency where farms have flooded.

Others are in Gaturi and Township areas in Kiharu constituency, Ruchu in Kandara constituency, Muguru, Rwathia and Kanyenya-ini in Kangema and Gitugi in Mathioya.

A red alert has been issued to those living near Methi, Swani and Danga dams in Maragua while in Kigumo, five families in Kinyona and Kangari areas have lost part of their tea farms to landslides.

The committee projected that over Sh15 million will be required to provide the affected families with foodstuff.

Non-food items such as blankets, mosquito nets, dignity kits and kitchen sets among others will cost Sh5.4 million.

Infrastructural support that will include gravelling and installation of culverts was capped at Sh2 million per ward, bringing the total to Sh70 million.

Short term excavation works have been projected to cost Sh3.5 million in all wards.

“Medical assistance is being provided by the county government for free through its mobile medical van,” the report read in part.

The committee that comprises security agents, the Kenya Red Cross, Kenya National Highways Authority, the meteorological department, National Environment Management Authority and other stakeholders noted that each family that lost livestock, tea farms and houses will receive Sh50,000.

Damages done on national government facilities such as primary schools should be reported to the local administrators.

The committee urged those willing to support the interventions to send their contributions to the county government’s emergency fund or engage the Kenya Red Cross to donate clothing or food through the hotline 1199.

The committee also said an excavator will be availed for emergency interventions with each of the 35 wards getting four hours or wards can request for alternative support not exceeding Sh50,000.

 Noting that the support required by the county is beyond its ability, the county government has forwarded a request for aid from the national government and is waiting for a response.

Two weeks ago, six people lost their lives after a landslide swept off their farms at night at Kiganjo village in Mathioya subcounty this forced 30 other families to camp at Ngutu Primary School.

On Friday, President William Ruto who led a tree planting exercise at Karua forest in Maragua donated Sh1 million to flood victims camping at Makuyu Primary School.